Overview

Established in December of 1863, and situated as the first suburb north of Chicago proper, downtown Evanston real estate sits in the enviable position between the fabled North Shore and the Windy City.  Influence from both can be seen in its comfortable and quiet neighborhoods and bustling business districts – likely leading to its being voted as one of the ten best downtowns in America in 2015 by Livability.com.

Evanston’s downtown area combines large retailers, independent shops, quality restaurants and local entertainment, and layers all the additional cultural aspects and events that keep residents and visitors coming back for more.  A day can start at the Farmers Market, followed up with brunch outside at Farmhouse, a visit to the stacks of books and antique prints at Bookends & Beginnings Alley Gallery, catch a matinee at the cinema, a cocktail at the stained glass, and close out the day with dinner and live jazz at Pete Miller’s.  Or take the family to the park along the shoreline, ride bikes through Northwestern’s campus, get a custard at Andy’s, window shop along Sherman, and end the day at with tasty dinner Smylie Brothers sampling local brews. Or… I really can go on, but I won’t.

For history buffs, downtown Evanston offers a variety of sites of historical significance.  For fans of the temperance movement of the late 19th and early 20th century, Frances Willard’s house is located on the west side of Chicago Avenue, north of Davis Street.  Speaking of temperance, there is a strong local contingent who still points to Evanston as being the originators of the Ice Cream Sundae in 1890, as a result of local laws prohibiting the selling of soda (used in ice cream sodas) on the sabbath.  No historical markers point to a specific location, but just know when you walk along the storefronts of downtown Evanston you might just be passing hallowed ground!

Downtown Evanston Real Estate Listings